is what i read this morning. What surprises me is that Bhupathi says the decision to pair Paes and him is based on ego and not logic, whereas to me it looks like Bhupathi has the ego issue in playing with Paes.

We don't have Paes' angle on this, but i do remember that a couple years back Hesh and Bopanna were revolting against Paes being the DC captain. Doesn't speak too well for Hesh/Bops.

Can someone tell me what are the achievements of the Hesh/Bops pair ? Do they stand a chance of a medal ?

is what i read this morning. What surprises me is that Bhupathi says the decision to pair Paes and him is based on ego and not logic, whereas to me it looks like Bhupathi has the ego issue in playing with Paes.

We don't have Paes' angle on this, but i do remember that a couple years back Hesh and Bopanna were revolting against Paes being the DC captain. Doesn't speak too well for Hesh/Bops.

Can someone tell me what are the achievements of the Hesh/Bops pair ? Do they stand a chance of a medal ?

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Here is Paes's response --

"I have no reaction to the recent statements made by Mahesh Bhupati to the media. I have always maintained that I will play with whoever the selection committee and AITA choose and this continues to be my stand," said a statement sent by Paes exclusively to NDTV on Saturday.

He, though, added that he would prefer to partner Rohan Bopanna but that too for professional reasons.

"It is a well known fact that when asked by the AITA, I have expressed my preference to play with Rohan Bopanna as my partner in the Olympics 2012, based on his physical fitness and big serve.

"Winning a medal at the Atlanta Olympics is the most cherished memory I have in my tennis career. To play for our flag, and represent India for the 6th time at the Olympics, is my greatest honour. I will, as I always have in the past, put my best foot forward," said Paes.

I think it was Gimmelstob who related the story on TV. Paes told Bhupathi that he was going to partner with Bopana for the upcoming year's ATP schedule. Bupathi asked about the Olympics and Paes said "I plan on playing the Olympics with you".

Bhupathi then turned around and called Bopana with this development and the two agreed to play the year together kind of giving Paes a dose of his own medicine.

NEW DELHI: Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has refused to play with Leander Paes at the Olympics, saying he does not trust his erstwhile partner, a report said Saturday.
The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) on Friday named the ageing duo for the men’s doubles event in London even though Bhupathi had publicly stated he wanted to play with his current partner Rohan Bopanna.
Bhupathi reportedly told the Hindustan Times newspaper on Saturday that he would never play again with Paes, who he has won three Grand Slam doubles titles with.
“Doubles is not only about serve and volley, it’s about mutual respect and trust,” Bhupathi told the paper from London where he is preparing for Wimbledon with Bopanna.
“I don’t trust him (Paes) after he dumped me without any warning at the end of last year.”http://dawn.com/2012/06/16/i-dont-trust-paes-says-bhupathi/

Indian people here I would like to ask you guys something. What is their socio-economical background? I am talking about caste system and stuff. Thanks in advance.

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They both seem to come from well off families. I don't know about the caste system. Paes is a Goan and most likely a Christian, so there should be no caste issues with Bhupathi.

Let's remember that Bhupathi plays with Sania who is a Muslim, Sania has paired with Peer who is Jewish, Bopanna has paired with Qureshi, a Pakistani, so at this level things like faith and caste do no play a role.

Acco to some folks here, their initial problem began once in a hotel lobby over some Indian actress. They got into fisticuffs over her. Perhaps everything now is clouded by that and they can't shake it off.

NEW DELHI: Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has refused to play with Leander Paes at the Olympics, saying he does not trust his erstwhile partner, a report said Saturday.
The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) on Friday named the ageing duo for the men’s doubles event in London even though Bhupathi had publicly stated he wanted to play with his current partner Rohan Bopanna.
Bhupathi reportedly told the Hindustan Times newspaper on Saturday that he would never play again with Paes, who he has won three Grand Slam doubles titles with.
“Doubles is not only about serve and volley, it’s about mutual respect and trust,” Bhupathi told the paper from London where he is preparing for Wimbledon with Bopanna.
“I don’t trust him (Paes) after he dumped me without any warning at the end of last year.”http://dawn.com/2012/06/16/i-dont-trust-paes-says-bhupathi/

They both seem to come from well off families. I don't know about the caste system. Paes is a Goan and most likely a Christian, so there should be no caste issues with Bhupathi.

Let's remember that Bhupathi plays with Sania who is a Muslim, Sania has paired with Peer who is Jewish, Bopanna has paired with Qureshi, a Pakistani, so at this level things like faith and caste do no play a role.

Acco to some folks here, their initial problem began once in a hotel lobby over some Indian actress. They got into fisticuffs over her. Perhaps everything now is clouded by that and they can't shake it off.

NEW DELHI: Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has refused to play with Leander Paes at the Olympics, saying he does not trust his erstwhile partner, a report said Saturday.
The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) on Friday named the ageing duo for the men’s doubles event in London even though Bhupathi had publicly stated he wanted to play with his current partner Rohan Bopanna.
Bhupathi reportedly told the Hindustan Times newspaper on Saturday that he would never play again with Paes, who he has won three Grand Slam doubles titles with.
“Doubles is not only about serve and volley, it’s about mutual respect and trust,” Bhupathi told the paper from London where he is preparing for Wimbledon with Bopanna.
“I don’t trust him (Paes) after he dumped me without any warning at the end of last year.”http://dawn.com/2012/06/16/i-dont-trust-paes-says-bhupathi/

They both seem to come from well off families. I don't know about the caste system. Paes is a Goan and most likely a Christian, so there should be no caste issues with Bhupathi.

Let's remember that Bhupathi plays with Sania who is a Muslim, Sania has paired with Peer who is Jewish, Bopanna has paired with Qureshi, a Pakistani, so at this level things like faith and caste do no play a role.

Acco to some folks here, their initial problem began once in a hotel lobby over some Indian actress. They got into fisticuffs over her. Perhaps everything now is clouded by that and they can't shake it off.

It's sad, and quite a national shame.

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Thanks! Well, if caste system is not an issue then they are showing a VERY immature behavior. I simply cannot believe that this is happening between them and AITA. Everything sounds like some B-grade fraternity issue to me. Yes, quite sad.

Thanks! Well, if caste system is not an issue then they are showing a VERY immature behavior. I simply cannot believe that this is happening between them and AITA. Everything sounds like some B-grade fraternity issue to me. Yes, quite sad.

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You mean if the caste system was the issue, it would be mature ? Not sure how or why you are connecting the two ?

NEW DELHI: Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has refused to play with Leander Paes at the Olympics, saying he does not trust his erstwhile partner, a report said Saturday.
The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) on Friday named the ageing duo for the men’s doubles event in London even though Bhupathi had publicly stated he wanted to play with his current partner Rohan Bopanna.
Bhupathi reportedly told the Hindustan Times newspaper on Saturday that he would never play again with Paes, who he has won three Grand Slam doubles titles with.
“Doubles is not only about serve and volley, it’s about mutual respect and trust,” Bhupathi told the paper from London where he is preparing for Wimbledon with Bopanna.
“I don’t trust him (Paes) after he dumped me without any warning at the end of last year.”http://dawn.com/2012/06/16/i-dont-trust-paes-says-bhupathi/

They both seem to come from well off families. I don't know about the caste system. Paes is a Goan and most likely a Christian, so there should be no caste issues with Bhupathi.

Let's remember that Bhupathi plays with Sania who is a Muslim, Sania has paired with Peer who is Jewish, Bopanna has paired with Qureshi, a Pakistani, so at this level things like faith and caste do no play a role.

Acco to some folks here, their initial problem began once in a hotel lobby over some Indian actress. They got into fisticuffs over her. Perhaps everything now is clouded by that and they can't shake it off.

It's sad, and quite a national shame.

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Senti, did you not know that Hesh is a Christian? He and Lara had a Catholic wedding. I am surprised how many people think Hesh is Hindu based on his name.

somehow Paes face looks sleeky.. he is a kind of sneaky, cocky guy.. no wonder he has so many difference partner over the years.. yes.. he's a talented double player but too bad sneaky guy will push people away.. !!

Born.............Mother christian, Father Hindu ..... mother regained faith in her religion when she prayed and Hesh was born, after being told she could not have children. So it must have been a powerful influence on Hesh.

But as usual, considering how he ditched his first wife of many years and went after a supermodel and married her, I don't believe in any religiosity. Probably he shows a superficial faith and sticks to it, but clearly his behavior does not reflect any real belief (like most people of all religions).

Born.............Mother christian, Father Hindu ..... mother regained faith in her religion when she prayed and Hesh was born, after being told she could not have children. So it must have been a powerful influence on Hesh.

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Interesting factoids.

But as usual, considering how he ditched his first wife of many years and went after a supermodel and married her, I don't believe in any religiosity. Probably he shows a superficial faith and sticks to it, but clearly his behavior does not reflect any real belief (like most people of all religions).

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Not sure what religion or lack of it has to do with the 1st marriage not working out, but we digress....

You seem to know quite a few details about Lee-Hesh. Who do you blame more for the present crisis ? It appears that no one in the Indian team likes Paes, so I'm inclined to think something's wrong with him, but maybe it's Bhupathi who's manipulating the rest of the team ?

Not sure what religion or lack of it has to do with the 1st marriage not working out, but we digress....

You seem to know quite a few details about Lee-Hesh. Who do you blame more for the present crisis ? It appears that no one in the Indian team likes Paes, so I'm inclined to think something's wrong with him, but maybe it's Bhupathi who's manipulating the rest of the team ?

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That's certainly what it looked like to me, about MB manipulating the others. However, we don't know the details.

Nor do we know the details of his first marriage and what resulted in the breakup. It's not fair to talk of "ditching" his wife without knowing both sides.

That way even Lee married Sanjay Dutt's wife -- don't know if he was instrumental in the breakup. Was there a gap for the lady.

From what I hear both are very egotistical. I once heard that Lee and Bhu riled up a Spanish (or Serbian) doubles pair by shouting Vamos loudly too often.

Just saw today's paper. Bhupathi says that if he says No to Paes then even Bopanna will say No.

Also, he says he is willing to pay back the $6000 pm training grant.

How many Olympic Golds India needed to reduce the poverty of it country.

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There is tons of money in India. It is just distributed inefficiently. It is actually easier to survive as a poor person there due to lots of informal arrangments beyond the purview of the law, whereas if 5 adults stay in a 2 bedroom apartment in the US, they will be cited for a violation and evicted. Health care is also scalable - always something available for your price point for most common ailments.

Not sure any of these jokers has a medal chance, unless the country issue reduces the teams available.

Just read that Saina Nehwal won the Indonesian Open (3rd title this year), maybe she stands a medal chance in Baddie.

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Yup. It doesn't matter who partners who -- at best they'd have an outside chance of a bronze. Both the oldies want to partner with the younger guy -- frankly that's their best chance of winning. Lee-Hesh never won a medal the last 3 times, not sure why the loonies in the AITA think they can win now in their old age.

Saina does look good for a medal, as do some of the shooters and the boxers.

The Gold Flake Open was on in Chennai and the players were housed at the Taj. One evening at the hotel bar, the two players were having a good time. A few friends too, like my friend from Mysore, were part of the scene which was so full of warmth and good cheer until the dancing began.
One of the star duo wanted to dance with a particular Bollywood damsel, whose name did not begin with L or N, for whom he had more than a glad eye.
And so too did the other star. And herein hangs a tale.
Of envy, desire, ego, pelf and human frailty.
The two, clouded in the spirits of the evening began to tug at the damsel’s hand wanting her to dance with them. Both seemed quite unrelenting in their quest to ‘bag’ the lady.
And then all hell broke loose, my friend told me.
The two got physical, mercifully not with the young lady but with themselves. Tugging at each other’s shirts, punching each other in the face, pushing, shoving and screaming obscenities at each other, they made a ghastly spectacle.
And worse, the fight went on and on and the two ended up in the small passage between the rows of rooms on the fourth floor. The maniacal thudding of their bodies against the wall was a sickly reminder of how hollow, absurd and weak in the mind even the most celebrated of sporting icons can be.
By the time the pent up fury had been discharged, what was left was literally a pile of tattered clothes and of course, reputations.
The next day, at 3.30 pm, was slotted their doubles encounter. The two did get on to the court together. And quite tragically, lost the match. And along with that match perhaps, a huge slice of the magic they so routinely conjured up on the tennis courts across the world.

The Gold Flake Open was on in Chennai and the players were housed at the Taj. One evening at the hotel bar, the two players were having a good time. A few friends too, like my friend from Mysore, were part of the scene which was so full of warmth and good cheer until the dancing began.
One of the star duo wanted to dance with a particular Bollywood damsel, whose name did not begin with L or N, for whom he had more than a glad eye.
And so too did the other star. And herein hangs a tale.
Of envy, desire, ego, pelf and human frailty.
The two, clouded in the spirits of the evening began to tug at the damsel’s hand wanting her to dance with them. Both seemed quite unrelenting in their quest to ‘bag’ the lady.
And then all hell broke loose, my friend told me.
The two got physical, mercifully not with the young lady but with themselves. Tugging at each other’s shirts, punching each other in the face, pushing, shoving and screaming obscenities at each other, they made a ghastly spectacle.
And worse, the fight went on and on and the two ended up in the small passage between the rows of rooms on the fourth floor. The maniacal thudding of their bodies against the wall was a sickly reminder of how hollow, absurd and weak in the mind even the most celebrated of sporting icons can be.
By the time the pent up fury had been discharged, what was left was literally a pile of tattered clothes and of course, reputations.
The next day, at 3.30 pm, was slotted their doubles encounter. The two did get on to the court together. And quite tragically, lost the match. And along with that match perhaps, a huge slice of the magic they so routinely conjured up on the tennis courts across the world.

Was reading another article or comment somewhere which suggested that they should not send Paes/Bhupathi at all and send a younger team of Yuki Bhambri etc. Will teach these 2 old chaps a lesson, and be a lesson for the future too.

Was reading another article or comment somewhere which suggested that they should not send Paes/Bhupathi at all and send a younger team of Yuki Bhambri etc. Will teach these 2 old chaps a lesson, and be a lesson for the future too.

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Senti - What lesson would that be ? Both of them are fairly successful doubles players. I don't think that not playing the Olympics is going to affect them one bit.

In this case it actually makes no sense pairing Lee-Hesh, given their dismal track record in Olympics. Technically the best pair might be Lee-Bopanna, but if these two don't get along either, why don't they just go ahead with the pair that has actually had some experience playing together ? The AITA (like most other Indian govt. agencies) does squat for tennis, and has done a lousy job in this case as well.

^ That's true. Being debarred from this Oly may not do them much since they play a lot otherwise. I thought it might be a good lesson to them and others not to enforce their issues on selection committees.

Also, given their age, if they are debarred this would be their last OG. I think there is a matter of pride in representing your country at OG.

Even if I grant that MB has some old chick issue with LP, Bopanna also refusing to play is silly. He's not MB's wife, that if MB says no, he too will. This seems like some petty politics that MB is playing, altho i don't know the truth.

So we send a lower ranked pair of Bhu-panna while we could have sent a better pair, and then the best person Lee goes with someone who has been injured for eight months (Somdev) ???

Just because Bopanna refuses to get along with Paes, because his friend Bhupathi is pulling string from behind.

^ That's true. Being debarred from this Oly may not do them much since they play a lot otherwise. I thought it might be a good lesson to them and others not to enforce their issues on selection committees.

Also, given their age, if they are debarred this would be their last OG. I think there is a matter of pride in representing your country at OG.

Even if I grant that MB has some old chick issue with LP, Bopanna also refusing to play is silly. He's not MB's wife, that if MB says no, he too will. This seems like some petty politics that MB is playing, altho i don't know the truth.

So we send a lower ranked pair of Bhu-panna while we could have sent a better pair, and then the best person Lee goes with someone who has been injured for eight months (Somdev) ???

Just because Bopanna refuses to get along with Paes, because his friend Bhupathi is pulling string from behind.

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Not sure I'd fully blame MB - you can blame him for petty issues with Paes. But I find it difficult to believe that RB would chose to shoot himself in the foot by refusing to pair with Paes. It appears that there are serious issues with Paes, that make him generally unlikeable in Indian tennis circles (and beyond). Of course all of this is speculation, and the truth might be something else...

I don't think you can add up the numbers and get a better pair. Even if on paper, Paes and Bopanna make the best pair, they have to gell well to have a chance. All this talk of burying your differences aside and doing well for your country is good in theory -- in practice if they aren't even on speaking terms nothing much is going to happen.

^ True, but I am looking at it from another angle. If we refuse to bury our differences then nothing can happen. But that does not make it a valid excuse.

As i see it RB is refusing to put aside his ego issues or whatever, most likely on MB's pressure.

In the past, Sania has put aside personal religious considerations and teamed with Shahar. (I think they only parted when there were too many threats and external pressure).
Bopanna had no issues playing with Aisam. I think we have a choice to put aside our views and ideologies and past and work together, or to make an obstinate stand that it will not work, which it wont, since we've already decided not to let it.

^ True, but I am looking at it from another angle. If we refuse to bury our differences then nothing can happen. But that does not make it a valid excuse.

As i see it RB is refusing to put aside his ego issues or whatever, most likely on MB's pressure.

In the past, Sania has put aside personal religious considerations and teamed with Shahar. (I think they only parted when there were too many threats and external pressure).
Bopanna had no issues playing with Aisam. I think we have a choice to put aside our views and ideologies and past and work together, or to make an obstinate stand that it will not work, which it wont, since we've already decided not to let it.

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In this case I'd squarely put the blame on the AITA. It was well-known that MB-RB wanted to partner each other, and they got together for this very purpose, and were reasonably successful. Equally well known that MB-LP tried to get together last year, and it didn't work out for the umpteenth time.

Why then does the AITA try and force two unwilling partners to play for "the nation" ?

...playing for the country and pride alone is pure balderdash. We have seen enough cricket stars to know that. Yes, there was a time when athletes did so only for pride and nation’s glory, but in any sport where there is a lot of money involved (tennis is such), this thing is not the primary concern any more.